More Tea, My Lady?

[Darth Veles]

Just as assumed, the Sith Lady did not share much. The Mon Cal pondered whether to ask her about her family or not, knowing it to be sensitive subject to many sentients. While his own parents still lived, he knew many Sith have lost their families in tragic events. Lady Kotass’ parents have been enslaved, Lady Zarrah’s family executed. Not every Sith lost their families to outside influences though. Quite often, the less-than-intelligent killed them themselves. Those psychopaths! Some Sith viewed murdering their loved ones in cold blood as some sort of a sick test they had to pass before joining the One Sith. The reasoning came out of sick minds, therefore he never understood the explanations, not that he cared.

“I am not very familiar with the planet, my lady. Is it worth visiting? Does it have wondrous jewels of architecture to admire? Seas to swim in? Lush green plains to take a stroll through? Are people living on the planet friendly? What is the general opinion on Jedi and Sith? Please, lady Arcanix, tell me about your homeworld.” The amphibious Sith said with a smile, slightly tilting his large head to the right, intently listening. He loved hearing of new places he could potentially visit.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Dux Pontus"]

"I suppose there is no harm in explaining the planet itself," she said with a smile as he bombarded her with questions. "Lorrd is a world that is about the acquisition, spreading, and storing of knowledge. It is first, and foremost, a university world and many of the sentients that live there take pleasure in research and things along those lines. It is a world that is mainly snow and ice, but some desert, but you get used to the cold. Especially if you live in one of our cities. Architecture is a blend of Core Worlds and our own natural tastes that revolve around marble."

Taking a sip of tea, she continued saying, "We are extremely good at reading body language because of what happened during the Kanz Disorders and our people were enslaved and were unable to speak with each other. We typically don't care about Jedi or Sith, since both have been on our world. What we do care about are slavers because of our history with them. As for the people, if you want to get to know them, you need to get them out of their research labs and libraries."

She added the last part with a small laugh.

 

[Darth Veles]

Taking in her words as the Sith Lady described her homeworld, Avreet finished all tea that was left in the cup, not pouring himself any more. What she said about Lorrd made it sound like quite a nice place to live, especially since its sounded most of its people were highly educated. “Hah, lady Arcanix!” he chuckled at her last sentence when she let out a laugh as well, “Then I already consider this meeting a success, getting a Lorrdian out for a tea.” Another gentle laugh, this time coming from the Mon Calamari, and his face became neutral again, the cold expression saying nothing, though Lady Arcanix might see sparks of curiosity still present in his large eyes.

“My lady, I wonder,” he started, one of the webbed claws on his right hand softly tapping the glass cup, eliciting a silent clink, “There are so many Sith different from us. While I am sure your upbringing and education play some part in you being… calmer than the most, I wonder if there’s something else. How do you deal with hate and anger? Passion? Those are the main sources of our power, the power of the Dark Side. While most of our fellow Sith appear to be rotting alive and they look for any reason to kill someone, we are different. What is your recipe for self-control, for not allowing the Dark Side to control you Lady Arcanix?” he wondered out loud. Did she have a way of overpowering her violent urges or did she not have those at all?

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Dux Pontus"]

"Rather than tell, I'll just show," she said in response to his question. Opening up her Force presence, she allowed her companion to feel the inner rage and anger that writhed within her being. Hatred and anger towards the boys who tried to violate her, hatred for the Jedi and their hypocrisy, anger at the careless waste of resources by other Sith, and hatred towards those, such as the Mandalorians, that destroyed ancient places without any regard to those who wished to study them like Dromund Kaas. She knew her sources of hate and anger would never fade, they would always be present.

Once he could get a good look at the vast amount of hate and anger she contained, she would allow him to feel through her sheer force of willpower, her restraining and binding her power dark emotions back into place and under her firm control. It also had the added side effect of hiding away a good majority of her strength as anyone who sensed her would just feel surface anger or hatred that would occur during an event.

"My secret is willpower," she said with a smile, her outward veneer giving no sign of the raw dark side power she contained within. "I recognized long ago that willpower and intelligence are the key to control, along with a moral compass that one must stick to."

 

[Darth Veles]

Avreet did not know what she meant until he clearly felt it through the Force. As the Sith Lady opened herself up to him, displaying her presence in its glory, letting him taste the purest form of her signature, the Sith Lord clearly felt the power she’s been hiding from him so far. Not only that, he recognized what fuelled this power. Hate and anger burned brightly within the Sith Lady and Avreet basked in her presence. While he did not know what exactly empowered her hate and made its flames so hot, he immediately recognized those fires that raged within her were very much under the woman’s control and also made him realize there was more to the inferno that raged within her than what she showed to him. This pleased him greatly, further proving he faced a true Sith, just like him or his Master. Arcanix’ signature, much like Avreet’s, gave a slight indication of not being fully submerged in the endless pit of the Dark Side; most likely a result of her dabbling with the Light Side of the Force. If the One Sith gave birth to her, then it still could be saved from the corrupting influence of all those Dark Jedi.

“Ah, my lady,” the amphibian purred at her display of power, feeling as her presence mingled with his own in the Force, “You’re just as beautiful on the inside as you’re on the outside, if not more.” He could not help but smile again; he had to! As she spoke more words, revealing the wisdom she possessed, the Mon Cal’s eyes glittered with amazement.

“Yes, indeed!” he exclaimed, not raising his voice too much as he aware of others in the teahouse and did not want to attract unnecessary attention, “Willpower, intelligence, morals! My lady, you are perfect!” It was so exciting to meet someone like him, a Sith who understood!

“In addition to strong moral principles, I also have a personal code of honour. It ensures I will never walk past the line that separates us from Dark Jedi. Murdering innocents needlessly, for example; if I ever commit such an act, my life will end by my own hand. Killing for pleasure is distasteful, slaying vastly inferior opponents just because one can or wants only proves their own weakness.”

“Does it surprise you to hear a Sith saying that, lady Arcanix?” he asked, slightly teasing tone.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Dux Pontus"]

"High praise indeed, Avreet," she replied with a smile. "I will admit it does surprise me slightly to hear those words from a fellow Sith, but after our conversation, I shouldn't be. You are a fascinating individual Avreet, and it is a pity that you left the One Sith so soon after I joined. I feel things would be different, in some small way."

She drained the last of her tea in the cup, setting it down gently with a soft clatter of the saucer.

"A strong moral compass is what separates us from beasts I have always felt," she continued. "The fact you have a strong one, but one that does not go against the tenants of our order is impressive. I wouldn't go so far as to kill myself, but then I don't go anywhere near where I might violate my personal code. Perhaps, given time, you'll rejoin us in one way or another, if only so we may collaborate more closely on our goals."

 

[Darth Veles]

“It is important to remember that while I have left the One Sith, I am still a Sith,” the amphibious assassin raised his index finger, “I follow the Sith Code. I use passion to command the Dark Side and bend the Force to my will. I fight against the Republic and those who seek to exterminate us. I seek to advance our goals and influence.” Letting his hand descend on the table, he locked his gaze with that of Darth Arcanix, observing her unusual eye color. Ironically, it reminded him of Knight Raaf, a Jedi he had met in the past. Both young women possessed the same eye color and he could not help but wonder if they were related by any chance. Dark hair, pale complexion, violet eyes, Force sensitivity; while the galaxy was a big place, the similarities were striking. Whatever mutation colored their eyes purple had to be a rare thing, one did not encounter individuals with such trait every day.

“Lady Arcanix,” he muttered, as if unsure if he actually wanted to address her or just spoke her name for himself, “It is in my belief that Sith, unlike Jedi, constantly evolve. It is natural, it is how we become stronger and adapt. Think about it, my dear lady; the red skinned Sith of old were just bloodthirsty barbarians, mere animals without a bit of decency. Only after the defectors from the Jedi Order merged with them and created the Sith Code, only then we started to evolve. From Naga Sadow, over Darth Bane, to Darth Sidious. The evolution of Sith can clearly be seen if you compare the Sith of old with those like us. Warriors became cunning politicians, instead of fighting with their lightsabers, they fight with words. That is not to say the modern Sith are weak; we can still fight just as well as the ancient Sith, we simply see other methods of achieving our goals, methods that allow us to gain what we seek through less brutal means, means that are looked upon favourably by many. My lady, I believe Sith like you and me are the next step in this evolution. No longer have we to inspire fear in our subjects to make them follow us, no longer we need slavery to have manpower to build our temples.”

The Mon Cal offered her a pleasant smile. “Our subjects are more than happy if we provide them with work, give them food and a place to live. Offer people the security of livehood, remind them how many homeless you can find in the Republic. If they work for us, we can promise they won’t starve. We can build schools for their children, make the population more skilled and educated. It will help them, it will help us as well. Our entire society will grow strong and our power over them will be limitless and eternal. Make them think our ideals are their own. All it takes for a realization is a capable leader surrounded by competent people. A Sith like us with Sith like us. There will be no place for Dark Jedi in the future. We should start building our power base now, train young Acolytes in our ways to pave a path for the true Sith in the future.” A soft chuckle followed.

“Don’t you agree, Lady Arcanix?”

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Dux Pontus"]

"My thoughts precisely," Taeli said, nodding with the Mon Cal's words. "I have always viewed it that to best rule someone, you need to have their hearts and minds follow you. Otherwise, we end up dealing with annoyances and headaches until they become too much to deal with. My workers within Krayt follow me because I'm not above doing the dirty work of assembling a prototype myself or giving them needed breaks when they are tired. It is about gaining true loyalty and respect, but I wouldn't reject fear out of hand either. Fear is useful to strike your enemy with, to show them that their greatest fear, the one where the people of the galaxy actually agree and join with us, is realized."

"I've actually already begun building a power base within the Sith, it's small so far as I want to move through things quietly, but it has already begun," she said with smile. "It also doesn't hurt to have allies abroad, such as those I've had dealings with to establish a Krayt presence in other parts of the galaxy outside of Sith-controlled space. So, when you see her next, do tell Lady Kotass her former company is thriving and growing like never before and I never properly thanked her for such a gift. But, it would sound like i have your support, or am I wrong in thinking that?"

[member="Dux Pontus"]

 

[Darth Veles]

More words that greatly increased his respect and fondness of Darth Arcanix. Offering several nods of agreement, the Mon Cal Sith Lord leaned closer to the woman, placing his elbows on the table and resting his large head in his hands for a moment as if considering her offer, though the smile let the woman know the decision has been made a long time ago in his mind. “You can count on me, lady Arcanix,” he finally replied, “Sith like us have to stand together to overcome the more… insane part of our Order, survive their madness and bloodlust. It will surely please you if I tell you that I help you not for power or position, but out of belief. Given the many opinions we share, the vision of your power base being the future of Sith is most pleasing. Even more so with you as a leader, my lady.” Another meaningful look into the woman’s violet orbs, another smile.

To prove he had his strengths, the Mon Cal looked around, just to glance if nobody observed them, and returned the piercing gaze of his eyes towards the Sith Lady, intently staring at her, admiring every detail on her skin and clothing as the light around him started to shift and twist to his command and will. Soon, the Sith Lady faced not a Mon Calamari Sith, but her own copy, the signature in the Force hidden now, leaving absolutely no trace of the amphibian that used to sit in front of the woman. “What say you, lady Arcanix?” this fake Sith Lady asked, even the voice matching that of the woman, “I am certain you will find many uses for me.” A soft giggle followed, not that of Darth Arcanix, but possessing the manly voice with thick Imperial accent. "Do you like my power, my lady?" He wasn't a master of illusions for nothing!

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Dux Pontus"]

"Oh, you have certainly piqued my interest with your abilities," she said, smiling widely. She always enjoyed seeing something new, and her academic and student side was screaming to learn these techniques. She wouldn't be against learning how to create and manipulate illusions, they were a useful skill for a Sith after all.

"You will have to teach me that someday, Lord Veles," she muttered quietly, her bright eyes shining with a almost hungry expression as they viewed a new piece of knowledge she desired. "Knowledge is power, and the ability to make illusions and disguise oneself would certainly help gain more knowledge than normal."

 

[Darth Veles]

The hunger for knowledge in the woman’s eyes as a result of his little display of skill amused him greatly. It also indicated the woman was not entirely familiar with illusions. As the projection of the Sith Lady dispersed in the air, revealing the Mon Cal again, Arcanix would once again be able to feel Avreet’s true Force signature. “Of course, lady Arcanix,” the amphibious Sith Assassin gave her a courtly nod, “I must warn you though. It is not an easy power to learn, let alone master.” Avreet stated, serious expression spreading over his face. “I have trained, practiced and taught those techniques for over ten years. As a Sith Messenger, I have used the powers of stealth and illusion whenever I could.” After this foreboding warning, his face lit up.

“But given your power and my mastery over the techniques you desire, I strongly believe it will be possible for you to become more than competent at the powers in just a few years.” Looking at the empty cups, then back at the Sith Lady, he flashed a bright smile. “Well, I dare to call this meeting a success. You have gained an ally that will follow you and teach you powerful techniques, I have met a Sith that comes very close to what I believe to be a perfect Sith. Congratulations!” Truly, the woman reminded him of Zarrah, his beloved former Master, his obsession.

“On the top of that, you are intelligent, beautiful, and powerful. That is a particularly lethal combination, my lady! And a combination I admire very much.” Darth Veles admitted, having quite a weakness for that kind of women.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Dux Pontus"]

"If the path to a technique was easy, I'd be worried about it," she replied with a wry smile. "Regardless, I would agree this meeting was indeed a success, and I'm glad to have met you. Perhaps our next meeting will be soon, and might include a lesson or two on these techniques. I'd be very interested to start learning these soon."

She added the last bit with a wider smile as he complimented her again. It was great flattery, she had to give him that at least.

"You sir have a very silver tongue," she laughed. "Excellent use of flattery, why I'm almost blushing."

 

[Darth Veles]

The Mon Calamari Sith could not help but to laugh with the woman, their good mood causing some patrons to turn their heads and glance at the Sith duo. It was good Avreet no longer maintained his disguise that made him look like the other Darth, the situation would have been awkward if someone actually witnessed Avreet showing off his powers. Not that the Sith cared that much. Paying no attention to the bystanders, the amphibian focused solely on the woman sitting opposite of him. “It’s all true, lady Arcanix,” Avreet pointed out, grinning, “Possessing these qualities makes you an excellent Sith.”

A puzzled look spread over his expression. “But I still don’t know your specialization! It is clear you know some nice powers and techniques as well. Perhaps you could expand my knowledge too, my lady, and teach me something in return. Strengthening your allies means strengthening yourself,” he said. A true Sith would always use the opportunity to gain more knowledge, and this particular Sith Lady was practically bursting with it.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Darth Veles"]

"That's because I have yet to focus on a specialization," Taeli replied with a small smile. "I've been focusing on gaining as many skills as I could before deciding on what path to master. Although, besides the standard Sith techniques, I've learned a good deal of alchemy from Darth Praelior, taught myself and my apprentice some beginnings in cryokinesis, some Sith Magic, mainly the Mask technique, oh and i suppose there is no harm in mentioning, I also learned the ritual for essence transfer."

She suspected that Avreet would be very interested in at least the alchemy, a lot of Sith seemed to want to know some alchemy. She had been expanding her knowledge, while also working on two of her secret projects. She was still waiting for word from her droids in her secret lab about the status of the breeding part of one project. The other was still forming in her head, but would be a very interesting things indeed.

 

[Darth Veles]

The large amber eyes narrowed a bit in a frown and Avreet’s gaze finally shifted away from the woman, watching the nicely polished table between them. She certainly caught him by surprise by claiming she had yet to choose a specialization. Another difference between them! Avreet’s path as a Messenger had been decided the moment he met his new Master as a young Acolyte. From what the Sith Lady sitting in front of him said though, it sounded like her path was the one of a sorcerer, similarly to his old mentor. It was a good choice, one promising vast power and keeping its promise. As such, many Sith specialized in Force-oriented techniques. Alchemy, Magic, occasionally something special as Cryokinesis. His Master certainly did not know that one. What the old Togruta certainly hadn’t possessed was the power that piqued his interest the most; essence transfer.

“Fascinating,” the Mon Cal muttered under his breath, just for himself, before his ordinary demeanour made its return, his eyes facing the dark-haired woman. “You are amazing, lady Arcanix,” he said with both admiration and respect in his voice, knowing the legendary power held the potential to make one immortal. “Sith alchemy and magic sound very interesting,” he offered his choice, “My own Master is particularly gifted in these areas, and perhaps I could seek counsel from both you and her.” Pulling out a few credits from his tunic, the Mon Cal placed the chips on the table. “Shall we go, my lady?“ he asked with a friendly smile, standing up.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Darth Veles"]

"Indeed, and I'll take any lessons you are offering to learn," she said with a smile. She knew her true calling was to learn the magics and alchemy of the Sith, her Force powers were too strong to suggest another path for her. She could fight, and was very good at it, but her way was not that of the warrior swinging a blade and charging headlong into battle.

"I guess I'll have to cover the next time," she said as Avreet placed credits on the table to pay for the tea. "I have a tab here, i frequent it so much after all. Closest tea shop to my office. Anyways, it was a pleasure to meet and speak with you Lord Veles, and I thank you for the aid and support you have already promised."

She curtsied politely as she stood up.

"I agree we should be off."

 

[Darth Veles]

“No,” the amphibian decisively shook his large domed head, his voice unusually soft and carrying a trace of kindness, “I thank you. I have purpose again, and that purpose it to support you however I can, my lady. If you let me, I will be your scalpel, a precise tool of removing the Dark Jedi tumour from the galaxy, making space for your followers to grow. I will carry out your will. I’ll do… anything.” The last word left his mouth with a gasp, as if he himself had not expected to say that. He remembered very well those exact words marked the start of his apprenticeship under Master Volitu. For a brief moment, he wondered why he was so eager to follow this Darth Arcanix. Because she reminded him of his old Master? Because he had a soft spot for that sort of women? Vastly powerful, even more intelligent and strikingly beautiful, women that carried a certain vision he could support. Or maybe the reason was entirely different; he wished to purify his beloved Sith Order, cleanse it of the Dark Jedi poisoning it from within. By giving his support to someone who wished to do the same thing, he strengthened the cause, joining their mutual efforts of changing the Sith for the better.

With that, he was the first to make way to the door that led to the streets of Coruscant, his steps on the wooden floor covered with carpets barely audible. The Mon Cal Sith left the teahouse as the second being though, opening the archaic door that did not work automatically and letting Darth Arcanix pass first before following. As he walked out, he appeared in an entirely different world. The air has gotten colder and he no longer felt that warm atmosphere that resided within the teahouse. Only the scent of various kinds of tea remained looming around the spot. It mixed with the typical stench of Coruscant, though one much more preferable than the smell of the Underworld that reeked of blood and sweat.

And yet, the planet felt different from the last time he visited. It looked cleaner. Safer. The One Sith might have disappointed Avreet, but they definitely understood how to run things. Silently pacing behind his female companion, their boots tapping on the massive metal structure that separated them from the lower levels and the endless abyss beneath. As the amphibious Sith Lord approached the Sith Lady from behind, placing both of his webbed hands on her shoulders, he looked up and observed the speeders flying high above their heads. Coruscant was filled with life, with ordinary people shopping and having a walk, laughing and talking as if there was no war in the galaxy. This brought back grim memories of this planet being invaded by the Omega Protectorate forces, their propaganda speakers spewing words of liberation, yet their soldiers gunning down anything that moved, be it a woman, man, child. And, of course, it also caused much older memories to resurface.

“I still remember the day when we liberated this planet,” Darth Veles spoke softly, seemingly lost in memories, though his head turned to look at the Sith Lord right in front of him, the woman he held so firmly, yet gently, “As a Sith Knight, I have brought prosperity and peace to this world with my fellow Sith. It was a precise, well coordinate strike targeting the Jedi Temple and the Senate. Little to none civilian casualties. We were heroes, celebrated by the masses.”

Letting go of the woman with his right hand, he pointed somewhere towards the horizon, his arm right next to her head as the clawed finger showed her the direction of where to look. “That is where the Jedi Temple used to stand. Some of my fellow Sith brought it down with explosives; unfortunately destroying the library in the process.” A soft sigh followed, one that cursorily brushed against the back of the woman’s head. “So much information about our enemies lost. So much knowledge. Wisdom.”

Retracting both of his arms and letting them casually hang beside his body, he offered a very pleasant smile to the woman as soon as she turned around to face him. “Would you like me to accompany you to your office, Lady Arcanix?” he asked politely, his chivalrous nature kicking in and commanding him to ensure the lady safely arrived to her place.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Darth Veles"]

"No need, but I thank you for the offer," Taeli said, smiling at the Mon Cal. "I have business to attend to and then I'll be off-world for a few days, going to see my parents. I shouldn't be too terribly long, but I recommend getting reacquainted with this world. Some things have changed, and I would recommend a trip down into the ruins of the Jedi Temple. You'd be surprised what survived in those catacombs."

This entire arrangement, their alliance and possible friendship, was going to make things very interesting. Taeli could feel that, but right now she was more concerned about going to see her parents. She needed to come clean with them, she knew that, and it had been forever since she had her father's cooking.

"Until my return," she said smiling brightly as she curtsied again and made her way to the offices of Krayt Industries. She had to finish some of those design files so they could be worked on while she was gone.

 

[Darth Veles]

“Of course,” Avreet replied and offered a nod, “Then I wish you an enjoyable reunion with your family, lady Arcanix.” Those were honest words coming from the Mon Calamari; he knew the importance of family and the Sith Lady only made him remember he had to pay a visit to his parents as well. He hadn’t seen them for a very long time… ever since his desertion. While the amphibian obviously feared for their safety, afraid they’d have to pay the price of his actions, he dared not to contact them and see if they were alright, worried that might bring unwanted attention to them. Deep inside, he knew they still lived, he could feel it. Perhaps… it was time to get in touch with his family again. As the Sith Lady parted from him and went her way, the amphibian remained standing on the street, watching people pass by. It was good to be back, see the wounds of war slowly fading away. The life would never be the same on Coruscant as it used to be before the invasions, but at least its citizens were able to overcome the horrors and return to their lives. Most of them, anyway. Those who have lost their friends and loved ones hated either Sith or any other faction that permanently severed the relationships. This eternal hate would reside in their hearts until their death; which often happened soon, given those who had nothing to lose either joined the resistance or the One Sith military, depending on who they hated.

Thinking about that for a minute, his cheerful expression fading away, the Mon Cal suddenly spun on his heel and started making his way towards a certain destination, hiding his presence as he strode through the streets, taking his time to admire the planet, its towering buildings and streets bustling with activity. It was the exact opposite of what he wanted to find; a certain list containing many names, usually displayed by every police station. As such, the Sith Lord’s steps carried him to the closest one, his mind feeling the needles of worry as he grew closer and closer with each passing step. As much as he disliked the contents of this list, fully knowing what it meant, he had to read through it, all the way back to the day he deserted the One Sith forces during the operation on Zeltros.

Even from afar, he could see a small crowd of people greedily reading the holographic display that illuminated their fearful and tense expressions. All searched for someone, perhaps a daughter or a son, maybe a husband or mother. Avreet approached from behind, standing behind a young woman that silently prayed to the Force. The large eyes quickly started going through the names he did not know, yet he knew exactly what happened to their bearers. Much like the woman in front of him, he prayed to the Force to not see his parents on the list.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]